What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Not a true ailment in itself, fatigue is commonly a classic symptom of some other problem; poor nutrition; overwork; lack of (or too much) exercise; insomnia or poor sleeping habits; or a specific medical disorder, such as premenstrual syndrome. Although everyone has an occasional energy slump, fatigue is generalized, persistent feeling of exhaustion.

Causes:

• Fatigue can be traced to stress, anxiety, depressiondefine or lowered immunity and chronic infections.

• It’s linked to diabetes, thyroid or adrenal gland imbalance.

• It’s linked to heart, liver or kidney disease.

• Vitamin and mineral deficiency.

• In women, fluctuating levels of hormonesdefine during pregnancy and at menopause can result in fatigue.

• Sleeping disorders and medication.

Symptoms:

• Persistent, lingering weariness either intermittent or continuous, and lasts longer than two weeks.

• Personality changes, particularly a tendency to become angry, impatient or depressed because of feeling tired all the time.

• Diminished concentration; difficulty in accomplishing familiar tasks; less interest in activities that were once appealing.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Take a 20 minute nap in the afternoon or after work. But set the alarm: a longer nap can interfere in the night time sleep.

• Don’t skip breakfast.

• Near bedtime, avoid large meals, fatty foods, alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

• Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day. Get at least eight hours of sleep at night.

• Keep active; moderate exercise is a prescription for feeling less tired.

• Don’t expect an energy boost from sugary foods. Instead, eat complex carbohydrates like pasta, whole grains and legumes and a lot of fruits and vegetables.

• Get blood tested for thyroid problems and anemia if fatigue persists.

Though general fatigue gets cured with a nourishing diet, good sleep and regular exercise, one needs to call a doctor if;

• Fatigue lasts longer than two weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, nausea, hoarseness in voice or muscle aches.

• Fatigue is causing daytime drowsiness that interferes with normal everyday activities.